In August 2021, former Next chef Jenner Tomaska and wife and partner Katrina Bravo open Esmé in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. With Esmé, French for “beloved,” Tomaska and Bravo reimagine the fine dining model with philanthropy and art integrated into the foundation of the experience, an expression of their shared vision for the community-focused restaurant.
Katrina & Jenner have released reservations for the first month and a half of service on Resy today, so guests can now begin booking tickets for tables starting August 17th through September 26th. A 16-seat bar is open for walk-in guests for a more casual experience.
Tomaska’s fine dining background is on display in Esmé’s tasting menu which evolves seasonally while revealing inspiration from Chicago’s culture. Sample dishes from the opening summer menu include salt-baked sablefish wrapped in squash blossoms and a wagyu éclair with salted strawberries, pine, parsnip. Throughout the year, Tomaska and Bravo will additionally curate collaboration dinners with local artists, creatives and luminaries with a portion of proceeds supporting the individual’s philanthropic endeavors or projects. When appropriate, pieces from collaborators will be exhibited throughout the restaurant during the menu runs, providing a platform for established and emerging talent. For Esmé’s soon-to-be-announced debut collaboration, Tomaska will find inspiration in Chicago-based, self-taught photographer and videographer Paul Octavious’ work which studies subjects over a span of time, finding beauty in their evolution.
Beverage Manager Tia Barrett (Entente, The Alinea Group) oversees the curation of the beverage program including pairings for the tasting experience. With the program, Barrett aspires to showcase underrepresented voices in the industry with a wine list that predominantly features bottles from women and BIPOC producers, as well as those with a philanthropic mission. The 50-bottle list additionally places an emphasis on biodynamic or certified organic wines while considering approachability, as well as offerings that inspire education and discovery. This intention is echoed throughout the bar program with craft cocktails, spirits and beer selections that similarly tell a story about a producer, their process and their commitment to giving back.
Through every element at Esmé, Tomaska, who grew up in Chicago, and Bravo, who has spent the past 12 years in the city, seek to give back to their community while creating a welcoming and culturally immersive space. Tomaska and Bravo credit industry veteran Erick Williams, chef/owner of Virtue, for his mentorship which instilled the importance of incorporating mission-driven values into a restaurant’s framework.
Located on the corner of North Clark Street, north of West Webster Avenue, the linear 3,800 square-foot restaurant is within the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Designed by HED (Harley Ellis Devereaux), the space was conceptualized with art as a fundamental part of the construction. A champagne tower installation by industrial designer and artist Benjamin Edgar welcomes guests at the entrance with the walls functioning as a canvas for exhibiting artists and collaborators.
In August 2021, former Next chef Jenner Tomaska and wife and partner Katrina Bravo open Esmé in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. With Esmé, French for “beloved,” Tomaska and Bravo reimagine the fine dining model with philanthropy and art integrated into the foundation of the experience, an expression of their shared vision for the community-focused restaurant.
Katrina & Jenner have released reservations for the first month and a half of service on Resy today, so guests can now begin booking tickets for tables starting August 17th through September 26th. A 16-seat bar is open for walk-in guests for a more casual experience.
Tomaska’s fine dining background is on display in Esmé’s tasting menu which evolves seasonally while revealing inspiration from Chicago’s culture. Sample dishes from the opening summer menu include salt-baked sablefish wrapped in squash blossoms and a wagyu éclair with salted strawberries, pine, parsnip. Throughout the year, Tomaska and Bravo will additionally curate collaboration dinners with local artists, creatives and luminaries with a portion of proceeds supporting the individual’s philanthropic endeavors or projects. When appropriate, pieces from collaborators will be exhibited throughout the restaurant during the menu runs, providing a platform for established and emerging talent. For Esmé’s soon-to-be-announced debut collaboration, Tomaska will find inspiration in Chicago-based, self-taught photographer and videographer Paul Octavious’ work which studies subjects over a span of time, finding beauty in their evolution.
Beverage Manager Tia Barrett (Entente, The Alinea Group) oversees the curation of the beverage program including pairings for the tasting experience. With the program, Barrett aspires to showcase underrepresented voices in the industry with a wine list that predominantly features bottles from women and BIPOC producers, as well as those with a philanthropic mission. The 50-bottle list additionally places an emphasis on biodynamic or certified organic wines while considering approachability, as well as offerings that inspire education and discovery. This intention is echoed throughout the bar program with craft cocktails, spirits and beer selections that similarly tell a story about a producer, their process and their commitment to giving back.
Through every element at Esmé, Tomaska, who grew up in Chicago, and Bravo, who has spent the past 12 years in the city, seek to give back to their community while creating a welcoming and culturally immersive space. Tomaska and Bravo credit industry veteran Erick Williams, chef/owner of Virtue, for his mentorship which instilled the importance of incorporating mission-driven values into a restaurant’s framework.
Located on the corner of North Clark Street, north of West Webster Avenue, the linear 3,800 square-foot restaurant is within the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Designed by HED (Harley Ellis Devereaux), the space was conceptualized with art as a fundamental part of the construction. A champagne tower installation by industrial designer and artist Benjamin Edgar welcomes guests at the entrance with the walls functioning as a canvas for exhibiting artists and collaborators.
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